Thinking through Art

ARTS in the Barn: June 2-3, 2018

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Dear Families and Friends,

Congratulations to the children of Cushing Community School for their extraordinary show on the opening weekend of Arts in the Barn. Demonstrating a commitment to one another and to their community, CCS children have told a story through their art. A story about connectivity, inspiration, and courage.

Connectivity: “The state of being connected or interconnected.” Never before connected 2nd and 4th graders know what it means to work in tandem with one another, They recognize that each of us, as humans, brings something authentic to the process. Keeping an open mind and heart makes true collaboration a gift between partners.

Inspiration: “From the Latin ‘inspire,’ meaning ‘to breathe into,’ is an unconscious burst of creativity in an artistic endeavor.” Moved by the power of Bernard Langlais, children realize that each of us is capable of launching our own ship.

Courage: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the silent voice at the end of the day that says ‘I will try again tomorrow’.” (Mary Anne Radmacher) It takes courage to be persistent. Tenacious. Bold. Patient. Forgiving. To make a statement that is worth standing up for.

Self-portraits of 2nd graders alongside 4th grade partners, double//overlapping animal collagraphs, journals, and animal studies show us just what kids are capable of. LEAPS has taught them that connectivity inspires creativity and courage!

Give your children the chance to make art this summer! To connect with friends in a creative endeavor. Or to take a bold step into something new!

With gratitude to the Cushing community for supporting children’s art and to the Davis Family Foundation for funding this program,